5 Common Diet Mistakes to Avoid

Eating right is a crucial part of managing your weight. Yet there’s a lot of misinformation about exactly what that entails. If you fall for the myths, you could be sabotaging your attempts to shed a few pounds or even risking your health. Luckily, by knowing what to watch out for, you can avoid these missteps and keep your plan on track.

Mistake 1: Aiming for Too Much, Too Soon

The kinds of drastic steps needed to achieve a sudden weight loss are hard to keep up long term. For lasting success, a slow, steady weight loss of about ½ to 1 pound per week is better.

Mistake 2: Banning Entire Groups of Foods

Some people believe they need to cut out all grains or dairy products in order to lose weight. By doing so, they’re missing out on nutrients that these foods provide. A better approach is to choose healthier options within that food category, such as whole grains or low-fat milk.

Mistake 3: Eating Oversized Portions

Even the most nutritious food may derail your diet plans if you eat too much of it. Be aware of portion size. In restaurants, split a big meal with a friend or put half of it in a to-go box. At home, serve sensible portions and keep serving dishes off the table to discourage seconds.

Mistake 4: Going Too Long Without Eating

When you’re ravenous, you’re more likely to overeat at your next meal. Research has shown that people who skip breakfast tend to weigh more than those who start the day with a healthy meal.

Mistake 5: Forbidding Favorite Foods

No one likes feeling deprived. If your favorite comfort food is high in fat, sugar, or calories, you don’t have to give it up completely. Just eat smaller amounts less frequently. Then balance it with smart choices for the rest of your meal.

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